What are the Best Windows Antivirus Software Products?

One of the reasons I put Ubuntu Linux on both my desktop PC and my netbook is because there aren't any viruses in the wild targeted at the Linux operating system. There have been some "proof of concept" viruses created, but that's as far as they've gone. The reason? Microsoft Windows (any version) is horribly insecure out of the box and the malware creators target it because it's the easiest operating system to breach AND because it's still what the majority of users around the world use as their operating system of choice. Since I still use Windows XP on occasion (in either a dual-boot environment or a virtual machine), I still have to maintain my antivirus software – letting the updates get updated and so forth.

The 10 Best Antivirus Software Products

If you're using a Microsoft Windows OS (any version), you need an antivirus software product to protect it from the nasty denizens of the net who would do your computer harm. What comes with Windows, if anything, isn't enough to stop the first wave in a full-out assault. I checked several reputable websites and came up with a list of what they consider the best antivirus software products. It doesn't matter what order they're in because the opinions on which are the best vary – I think it matters who sponsors the writers more than anything else. I won't link to the products because they change URLs enough to drive any grown man insane. You can always search for the name using your favorite search engine. Here's the list with my notes (if any):

• AVG Anti-Virus – I've used this recently – no issues.
• BitDefender Antivirus
• ESET NOD32 Antivirus
• F-Secure Anti-Virus – I used this years ago – no issues.
• Kaspersky Anti-Virus
• McAfee Antivirus – Bad experiences.
• Norton AntiVirus – Bad experiences.
• Panda Antivirus
• Trend Micro
• ZoneAlarm Anti-virus

Making YOUR Choice

You can always choose what others say is the best antivirus software for Windows, but you can also choose what you prefer that may not even be on any of their lists. Many antivirus software companies have a free or trial version so you can test the waters, so to speak.

My opinion is that the market leaders are usually those who advertise their products the most. It doesn't mean they're necessarily the best. Some of them are "add on" products that get installed with other products if you don't watch to make sure the checkboxes to install them are cleared. They are usually the ones I steer clear of because I figure they're not that good if they need to rely on a tactic like that to get your business.

In the end, the most important thing is that you secure your Windows OS with some kind of antivirus product, even if it isn't the best one out there. Friends don't let friends use Microsoft Windows without one.

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